International Freedom of Expression eXchange: The global network for free expression
Free expression spotlight
17 March 2010
Palestine
Journalists assaulted and censored
Palestinian journalists are under attack from Israeli forces and are also subjected to raids and arrests as a result of political rivalry between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, report the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedom (MADA) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Meanwhile, Israel continues to target and detain scores of Palestinians involved in protests against the separation barrier in the West Bank with freedom of movement and expression violations, reports Human Rights Watch.
From the Communiqué
17 March 2010
Mexico
Eight journalists abducted, two killed
In Mexico, information can be fatal. Eight journalists were abducted in separate episodes between 18 February and 3 March, report the Center for Journalism and Public Ethics (CEPET), Inter American Press Association (IAPA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Three journalists were later released; one of them died as a result of being tortured. Mexican journalists in newsrooms remain silent about the kidnappings for fear of reprisals from drug traffickers. And in another part of the country also caught in the terror of drug cartels, another journalist was slain on 12 March.
Campaigns and Advocacy
19 March 2010
Morocco
CPJ urges Morocco to halt politically motivated prosecutions
In a letter, CPJ decries Morocco's use of the courts to suppress freedom of expression and prosecute journalists and urges the government to release Driss Chahtan, who is being held in prison under harsh conditions.
19 March 2010
Joint action - International
Forty-seven human rights organisations urge states to reject draft resolutions which undermine freedom of expression
Civil society organisations - including IFEX members ARTICLE 19, BCHR, CIHRS and Human Rights Watch - wrote to Member States of the UN HRC expressing their opposition to draft resolutions on "combating defamation of religions".
19 March 2010
Syria
Repression grows as Europe, US avoid discussing rights, says Human Rights Watch
In her visit to Syria, the EU foreign relations chief should condemn the harassment and detention of activists and journalists, says the organisation.
16 March 2010
International
Nigerian and Indonesian activists challenge repressive measures in "Defamation of Religions" debate
On 10 March 2010, Freedom House held a panel discussion to look at options for combating religious discrimination without restricting free speech.Urgent alerts
AZERBAIJAN: Editor granted presidential pardon, released from prison In 2008, Ganimat Zahid was convicted of trumped-up charges of hooliganism and intentional infliction of minor bodily harm.19 March 2010
Take action!
IRAN: Help free imprisoned journalists
Leading press freedom and free expression groups are asking for your support to help free imprisoned journalists, writers and bloggers in Iran. Since the disputed June elections, there has been a brutal crackdown on dissent. In response, a coalition of free expression organisations has launched a petition drive calling for the release of those imprisoned. More dissidents are in prison in Iran than in any other country in the world: out of at least 60 political prisoners, 47 of them are journalists. Generally, prisoners are held incommunicado and some are tortured.
3 March 2010
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Help restore RFI's radio signal
Journaliste en Danger (JED) launched a campaign on 23 February 2010 to restore the FM signal of French public radio station Radio France Internationale (RFI) in the Democratic Republic of Congo: "Release the info, reopen RFI." JED is asking you to sign a petition, which will be sent to President Joseph Kabila.
3 March 2010
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